E 



(Sycit^6c&'^ty 




Class t 



■C 4^ 



I 8 ^ 



AN 

/ 



ON THE .„«-.r,«-«-*' 






FORTY FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 



AMERICjIJ^ ijvdepejvuej^ce. 



DELIVERED BEFORE THE 



CHARLESTON MIFILEMEN- 

AND PUBLISHED AT THEIR REQUEST. 

By ROBERT ELFE, Esa. 

A Member of the Corps. 



"Time overthrows the illusions of opinions, 
and establishes the decisions of nature." 



CHARLESTON: 

"WILLIAM COX YOUNG, PRINTER. 

1831. 



^'>'¥/Z^ 



E7z ^^ 



$^'i 



fkz 



®^A^2®1I^ 



The lively emotions which swell the bosom of 
the patriot on the return of this day, are sanctified 
by the spirit of devotion. We assemble, Fellow 
Citizens, on no common occasion. The eman- 
cipation of a great country from the arm of arbitrary 
power — the institution of free government — the es- 
tablishment of equal rights — the impartirJ adminis- 
tration of laws, form an era in the history of time, 
distinguished for wisdom, valor and philanthropy. 
Where shall the historian look for m?.terials to dig- 
nify his records — the philosopher for instruction — 
or the orator fmd a sphere for his eloquence, if not 
in the glorious exploits which crowd the recollection 
on the celebration of this day? Ever sacred be the 
birth of American Independence ! Memorable for 
the virtues it has displayed — the truths it has devel- 
oped — the blessings it has diffused — let us cherish 
it as the favored gift of Heaven. Let the hero who 
bled — the sage who counselled — the matron who 
nursed the early efforts of our arms, find accept- 
able homage in the hearts of posterity. 



A review of the history of our country, is calcu- 
lated to fill the mind with a pleasing assemblage, 
and graceful variety of images, which warm the 
soul with delight, and extort the praises and admi- 
ration of mankind. The revolution, undertaken 
with the spirit, and conducted with the bravery of 
men determined to be free, afforded a field for the 
display of those virtues which exalt mankind in the 
sphere of creation, and which had been buried with 
the rubbish of mind, in the ages which preceded. 
Our heroes were animated by the models which 
Plutarch had drawn — and our statesmen spoke in 
the cause of freedom, inspired vv'ith the philosoph}' 
and eloquence of Cicero, Hence, the firmness 
which distinguished our efforts, whether in the cabi- 
net or in the field — in the martial arrangements of 
the camp, or in the milder negociations for peace. 

Eut, glorious as may have been the revolution, 
renowned for the exhibition of all that human na- 
ture can boast, there was a paramount achieve m.eni 
which battles could not win, nor ingenuity com- 
pass. It was left for truth, and virtue, and know- 
ledge to perform this last act — lasting as the memory 
which achieved it, and to be forgotten when the 
pride of honor, and the exaltation of intellect shall 
cease to dignify mankind. I allude to the union 
and consolidation of the States, on those principles 
which alone could secure their safety in peace, and 
their defence in war. 



In contemplating the character and genius of the 
government of the United States, the mind is struck, 
no less with the beautiful and harmonious propor- 
tion of the parts, than with the spirit which gives 
life and animation to the whole. The Federal 
Constitution, planned by an assembly of men, free,, 
virtuous, and intelligent, contains within itself all the 
requisites of a just and upright government.: Ex- 
empt from those anomalies and restrictions, inter- 
woven into past systems, the more securely to sub- 
stantiate and enforce the unjust and barbarous policy 
of those, who owe their elevation to the combined 
influence of fraud and power, it presents nothing 
that is not consistent with natural and civil justice. 
The advocates of regal dominion may here read 
the refutation of their favorite absurdity, " that the 
people cannot govern themselves;" and those who 
love liberty, yet dread the licentiousness of demo- 
cracy, have the light of a system, cemented by 
wisdom, energy and virtue. 

In their exertions to secure a form of government, 
adapted to the sense and feelings of the people, the 
members of the convention were little aided by ex- 
perience. The Federal government was entirely 
the result of foresight and philosophy. None of 
the governments, from antiquity down, afforded a 
model which could safely be imitated. Greece, cele- 
brated for the wisdom of her confederacy, was de- 
ficient in the promptitude and exactness, necessary 



6 

to the successful operation of political bodies. Her 
Amphyctioiiic council resembled rather the meeting 
of an Imperial legation, than an assembly of free, 
deliberative representatives. 

Rome too, distinguished for a boldness and dig- 
nity of character, on which the eyes of posterity 
delight to gaze, never enjoyed an equal balance of 
power. There was no division of force to counter- 
act the illegal assumptions of authority — disorder 
prevailed in all the departments of State : — oppressed 
at one time, by the inordinate ambition and over- 
grow^n powder of the Patrician Order, and over- 
whelmed at another, by popular insurrection, she 
ultimately became the victim of discordant passions 
and bloody wars, during which, the aspirations of 
virtue were forgotten and unheard in the desolation 
and slaughter, which crushed all the glorious achieve- 
ments of genius and learning, and erected the prison 
house and the dungeon on the ruins of the temple 
of Liberty. 

But if the governments of antiquity could afford 
us no light in building up the ark of our freedom, 
there was less to attract attention or invite imitation, 
in the short lived republics which grew out of the 
wreck of empire in modern Europe. In contem- 
plating this period of the world, the historian has 
scarcely light enough to read the degradation of 
mankind, and the friend of humanity sees nothing 
to brighten his prospects of happiness. The vicious 



7 



alone held the earth in subjection— power found its 
advocate with the wealthy and abandoned — the 
hopes of the good man had ceased to be earthly — 
Mhcy had penetrated the gloom wliich lies between 
ptime and eternity, and were reposing in confidence^ 
until another morn should burst its splendors on his 
I vision, and proclaim a releasement from toil and 
suffering. Such wxre the governments of Venice 
and Genoa, where, in the form of republicanism, a 
powerful aristocracy directed the public functions 
to the advancement of individual prosperity, tramp- 
ling on the exercise of right, and polluting the altars 
of justice with the maculated offerings of suffering 
innocence and degraded merit. 

How happy the contrast which our country pre- 
sents ! No such imperfections disfigure the character 
of our constitution. Accommodated to all the 
purposes of society, it succours the indigent and 
needy — gives protection to the exiled children of 
misfortune, and allows the wealthy no privilege be- 
yond the common citizen. Here no haughty spirit 
of monopolization influences the favor of govern- 
ment to the advancement of noble birth: Our gov- 
ernment throws open the doors of preferment, to ail 
who have enterprize and ability to seek the laurels 
of fame — she enlists the interest of the whole world 
in her prosperity. Industry is not weighed down 
with the iron obligation of paying more than it 
reaps — Religion finds a sanctuary in every heart — 



8 

Science bends to the task of facilitating the modes 
of life — and the whole scenery of nature is blended 
with the beautiful picture of a community, ardent 
in the pursuit of all those means which God and 
their country have given, of obtaining national and 
individual happiness. Where, on the surface of 
this globe, appears a scene so interesting and inviting 
• — so glorious to man, and so acceptable to God? 
Whose bosom is not warmed into admiration — 
whose tongue is not eloquent with the praises of 
Liberty? 

The moral condition of a people inevitably results 
from the form and spirit of their government. Hu- 
man nature, acted upon by long established forms, 
becomes confirmed in prejudice and error; more 
particularly when education, the great means of 
exalting and refming the mind, is disregarded, and 
the body politic is pervaded with ignorance. It 
may happen, under peculiar circumstances, that the 
government is unable to control the destinies and 
stamp the condition of a people: — Men, born in 
freedom, and trained up in the enjoyment of their 
natural rights, will never submit to an authority 
which would mould their very being to the base 
purposes of despotism. Batmost of the governments 
which have existed, and do now exist, furnish abun- 
dant proof, that man's elevation or depression in so- 
ciety is the effect of good or bad laws. In Europe, 
where the povernment is in the hands of the nobles, 



9 

rand the will of the people is subservient to the will 
of the monarch, the motives which siiould prompt to 
the exercise of the most exalted viitues, are sup- 
pressed bv the sigh and the tear which speak the 
bitter tale of slavery, and declare the impotency of 
the most united exertions. There the spirit of lib- 
erty is kept captive ! The fine form is bowed with 
despondency — Nature, in vain, spreads her scenery 
to the eye, and the heart sickens with the hopeless- 
ness of shaking off its burden. In Europe, society 
and government prove a curse 1 Legislation is not 
conducted with the benevolent design of aiding the 
necessities, and relieving the misfortunes of man- 
kind. How can a single individual, gifted perhaps 
with no uncommon qualities of head and heart, 
surrounded by the hirelings of his ^^leasure, wasted 
into effeminacy, himself secure from the changes of 
fortune, and the pressure of want, be able to manage 
the concerns of a nation? How is he capable of 
legislation, whose views are circumscribed by tliC 
narrow and selfish desire of peipetuating his titles 
and his possessions to a distant posterity? Does he 
sympathize with the sufferings of his people ? Their 

cries never reach his ears Is he animated with a 

wish to their welfare ? He is deceived by the flatte- 
ry of his ministers. No supplicating friend, no 
charitable hand pours upon their sorrows the balm 
of alleviation. If they petition, redress is impolitic — 
if thev revolt, an armed soldier v rush upon tbeiB 
35 



10 

^vith "the iirtiileiy oi' death." Not only have they 
to groan under the bondage of political tyrants. 
Priesthood interdicts the privileges of conscience^ 
and declares the imbecilitv of tlie unlearned. The 
ridiculous connexion of religion and laws, exert a 
power over the countrj^ so absolute and unlimited^ 
as renders it impossible that any people should 
ilourish or improve in the arts and elegancies of 
life. 

But their case is not remediless. A voice has 
§'one over the w^aters, awakening the dormant 
genius of the land. An impulse pervades society 
which cannot but eventuate in its benefit. The 
general illumination of the human mind, the effect 
of free presses, and the rapid multiplication of books, 
afford advantages which must produce a change in 
the political hemisphere. Intellectual glory is the 
light ^^ hich illumines the pathway to liberty and 
happiness. lie who is intelligent will always be 
free. Despotism can exist only in the shade of 
ignorance and vice. But the Eagle, sacred bird of 
libert}^, basking in the noontide blaze of light and 
learning, escapes the fetters which would bind him 
to the earth, and directs his flight unto the stars. 
America affords the world an example which will 
be imitated ! Her free institutions, the justice of her 
polic}', the unrivalled splendor of her arms, extend 
usefulness to every shore where her flag is unfurled. 
Republicanism will rule the earth. The dissatis^ 



11 

faction which prevails across the ocean, the fire 
which burns the bosom of the patriot, can be 
qilenched only by the demolition of thrones. Con- 
stitutions must be adopted. Kings must become 
citizens. 

But it were vain for any people to possess free- 
dom, who have not her companion. Virtue is the 
only safeguard of free laws. Her authority restrains 
the restless ambition of demagogues, and preserves 
the state from the poison and infection of licen- 
tiousness. 

The decay of morals is the chief cause of all the 
distress w^hich has, through the progress of ages, 
marked the revolutions and changes of empire. 
Aspiring and crafty men, never appear in the tran- 
quil reign of social order and good manners ; their 
machinations begin, after tlie seeds of corruption 
are sown, and the state is assailed with the engen- 
dered evils of discord and civil warfare. That 
this is the case, I appeal to the oracles of truth and 
experience — 1 appeal to the monumental trophies 
of ancient grandeur — the wreck and ruin of states 
and kingdoms, swept from an elevation lofty and 
commanding', into the dust and ashes of infamy 

and neglect I appeal to the recollections of that 

country, whose chivalry reclaimed Europe from 

barbarism, and polished society into gentleness 

whose arms rescued from England the conquests 
of Henry the Fifth — and wh.osc policy under 



ljo:iis the Fourleeiith, directed and conlroled half 
the cabinets of Europe. Yet, who has read the 
history of the French revolotionj and not mounicd 
over the fatal effects of depravity ? The struggle 
of a people^ renowned for their bravery, and devoted 
to libertv, fifrhtin^" under the deluded hope ^i eman- 
cipation, with commanders whose ambition levelled 
ail the distinctions of society, and crimsoned v,'ith 
the blood which flowed from the guillotine, the 
verdant la,urels of their country's fame. Tlicre is 
the scene of religion despised — of justice defamed — 
of laws turned into ridicule — and truth, into false- 
hood. 

B peaking of Fiance, how readily is the name of 
Eanaparte associated 1 This extraordinary man. 
born for whatever purposes, the object of praise 
with some^ of hatred witii others, and of astonish- 
ment to all, has in a short period of his life, exhibit- 
ed the elements of a mind which dtfy the powers 
of human calculation, and which place him beyond 
the orbit of this world's attraction. Commencing, 
his career with the appearance of honesty, and un 
der the sacred professions of patriotism, he soon 
became the idol of popular iniatuation. Mihtary 
honors called him to the pi'ofession of arms — Mars 
clothed him in the armor of war, and pointed him 
to the tombs of Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar. 
But his ambition looked not ev^en at these— his own 
■suffreiency needed not llie aid of example ; and a 



IS 

few years saw him elevated, grand and conspicuotT^ 
the Emperor of France, and the King of Italy; 
the Protector of the Coniederation of the 111 vine, 
and the Mediator of tiie Swiss Confederacy. 

If Bonaparte was a patriot, why did he usurp the 
goveriiiient of Ins country? Why did he dictate 
laws to his people, and abolish the liberty of the 
press ? Why did he invade tiie boundaries of other 
nations, and establish his authority over them? Had 
he been a patriot^ France at this day might have 
been a republic, with the benefit of a constitution ; 
her institutions revered, her arms respected, and her 
glory the illumination of the world..^ — Had Bona- 
parte been a patriot, Italy, that land of classic excel- 
lence, might again have become the seat of the Mu- 
ses — Rome, the nurse and mother of heroes, have 
beheld the disinterestedness of Cincinnatus, and 
Switzerland, diversified with the beautiful and 
sublim.e in nature, been blessed with ireedom and 
happiness. 

In adverting to the causes of this day's celebra- 
tion, the young American will not confme his atten- 
tion solely to the events of the revolution. America 
w^as destined to be free. It was impossible from 
the nature of the motives which impelled our an- 
cestors across tlie Atlantic, from the shores of thciT 
country and their friends, that tliey would be 
reconciled to any form of government v/hich did 
not originate with themselves, independent of royal 



14 

consent or royal protection. Discovered too at a pe-^ 
riod, when the human mind in Europe, was just 
emerging from t'le darkness which succeeded the 
subversion of the Roman empire ; when mankind, 
excited by the spirit of improvement, and worn 
down by the degrading vassalage which had yoked 
their energies, and cast their faculties into wonderful 
insensibility, were willing to escape the wretched- 
ness of their own country, and seek comfort and 
consolation in the bosom of the new world. Once 
settled here, their desire of freedom was strengthened 
by the very scenery of the country they had chosen 
to inhabit. Every thing around them retained the 
primitive features of nature ; civilization had made 
no inroads upon the rude grandeur and wild 
magnificence of tlie prospect ; rocks and mountains 
and woods all grew together ; the savage sought his 
sustenance in the chase, wild himself as the deer he 
hunted, fettered by no law but his will, and sur- 
rounded only by the atmosphere which refreshed 
and supported his limbs. 

From a country so situated, bearing all the cha- 
racteristics of freedom, uncontaminated by vice ; 
with a country degraded and enslaved, abounding 
with all the evils which hereditary turpitude could 
engender ; from such a contrast, our ancestors de- 
rived those impressions, which encouraged their 
hopes, gave stability to their principles, and pro- 
duced a nation of freemen ecHpsinG; the models of 
Greece and Rome. 



15 

Had Great Britain, in her conduct towards the 
colonies, acted upon the well known principles of 
her own constitution, then the most free and 
celebrated on earth, (though destined at some 
period to part), the golden chain of affection might 
still have bound them together in the bonds of na- 
tional friendship, Had she allowed them the privi- 
leges of British subjects, and regarded with sacred- 
iiess and respect their right of self government and 
taxation, the glory of her arms might still have 
claimed the title of invincibility; and her fleets, 
honoured with the trident of Neptune, have given 
laws to the ocean. But overwhelmed with an ac- 
cumulation of debt, no means were to be neglected, 
which could advance the resources of her treasury, 
exhausted and drained in establishing her superiori- 
ty, over the most formidable powers of the conti- 
nent. At this period, her ministry seemed to have 
misunderstood the very spirit and essence of political 
bodies. That government was instituted by the 
people, for the benefit of the people, was a maxim, 
which her statesmen and scholars insisted on with 
a precision and force equal to the dignity of free- 
men : — the public presses teemed with spirited 
essays, defining in just terms the powers and capaci- 
ty of the governed ; — yet after ail, the hopes and 
strength of this infantile country, so long and so 
often the object of savage warfare, were to be crush- 
ed and overpowered by a system of subordination, 



16 

eontraiy io eveiy principle of natural jr.siice and 
English liberty. Bills of restriction and iimitation, 
of taxation and denial, were forced upon Parlia- 
ment witli a warmth and ardor of discussion dero- 
gatory to its unequalled pre-eminence, and de- 
structive to colonial prosperity. These proceedings 
excited the fermentations of parties, at home and 
xibroad ; — the public voice cried aloud for the 
wroners of America — the colonies themselves re- 
monstrated. But, their petitions praying redress 
were disregarded, and tlieir opposition considered 
as the mere murmur of discontent, that would die 
away with the breath in wiiich it was uttered. 

It was in this situation of afiairs, threatening ruin 
and disgrace to their countr}', that the orators of 
Great Britain shone with a splendor, unrivalled 
since the days of Demosthenes and Cicero. It was 
here, under the excitement of the noblest feelings, 
that the sublime eloquence of Chatham, and the 
immortal o:cnius of Burke, flashed the convictions of 
truth and experience, deprecating with godlike in- 
dignation, the ruinous effects of a pernicious policy ; 
and urging, Vvith the vehemence of impassioned 
rhetoric, the justice, the necessity, and the virtue of 
RECONciLIATIOK. 

But power, corrupt and uplifted by the pride of 
opinion, was not to be abashed by the mcie force of 
argument The insolence of disobedient provinces 
could not be passed over with impunity— the free 



17 

and valiant spirits of New England must be sub- 
dued, though it cost the nation a century of blood 
and treasure. 

These, my countrymen, were directly the causes 
of the revolution — and basely perverted must be 
that heart, whose attachment to any form of gov- 
ernment, would submit to an infringement of 
those rights, the impairing of which, would 
destroy the purposes and ends of existence. Our 
ancestors, though gifted with the spirit of forbear- 
ance, did not remain passive spectators of their 
country's wrongs. Their keen sight penetrated 
the consequences of an usurpation, w^hich would 
inflict disgrace on themselves, and rivet chains on 
their posterity ; and with a sublime patriotism and 
daring courage, they resisted every act of their 
oppressors, and fortified every pass of their country 
w^ith the rampart of their bodies. 

Now, the standard of w^ar was unfurled, and the 
tocsin resounded through the land ; — the scenes 
of domestic tranquility were invaded by the tumult 
of arms ; — the tender music of love was hushed 
into silence ; — and the sacred associations of " wife, 
children and friends,-' abandoned for the rude 
equipments of the camp. The citizen, hitherto the 
nian of business or of pleasure, became the soldier 
of freedom — all hearts glowed with enthusiam — 
The battle of Lexington roused all America ;— the 
blood of freemen, shed on their own plains, called 
c 



18 

loudly for revenge ; — the spirit of Liberty in arms 
led the valiant to the conflict : — Bunker's Hill 
poured destruction on the foe, and reverberated 
from shore to shore, the magnanimous resolve of 
Victory or Death. 

Here was the occasion of our first triumph, the 
first example of American valor. But the smiles 
of joy are moistened with the tears of regret. Here 
fell the brave and unfortunate Warrens,* distin- 
guished alike for the accomplishments of the 
gentleman, and the exalted virtues of the patriot. 
His gallant soul, fearless of danger, and indignant 
at disgrace, saw no alternative between the glory 
of conquest, and the grave. He died with the 
soothing requiem of his country's praise. The 
green sod covers his ashes. His memory — let it 
live forever in the hearts of posterity. 

The battle of Lexington gave an impulse to the 
war, which permanently united all the States in the 
determination of a vigorous opposition. The con- 
gress, assembled, used the most effectual means of 
providing against the exigencies of invasion. Their 
firmness increased with the difficulties which sur- 
rounded them. A country, wide and extensive, 
thinly populated, and nearly destitute of the means 
of warfare, were considerations sufficient to deter 
the most resolute from a contest so unequalled in 



* General Warren was the first officer of distinction, who died in 
the cause of his country. 



10 
numbers and discipline. Their chief reliance was 
in the justice of their cause. This alone gained 
them the friendship of the brave and generous. Tlic 
God of battles called to their assistance the warriors 
of every clime. France, chivalrous and enthusiastic, 
united her strength and sympathies with our own — 
Ireland sent her spirit to cheer us — and Poland, 
unhappy, ill fated Poland! destined herself to wear 
the chains of slavery, landed on our shore the cham- 
pions of Warsaw. 

These were the sources of sorrow and confusion 
to our enemy, who beheld in the patriotic services 
of La Fayette, the blood of Montgomery, and the 
sacred devotion of Kosciusko, the future destination 
of our country. 

But why should I detail the events of the revo 
iution ? Are the illustrious deeds of our ancestors 
already forgotten by posterity ? Are the names of 
the countless numbers which crovv d into the constel- 
lation of American glory, already swept down the 
stream of oblivion? Of Franklin and Adams — 
of Marion and Sumpter — of Green at Eu- 
taw — and of W a s h i n g t o n at Y o rkto wn ? Are 
they not, the pride and glory of their country, 
identified with its existence ? Cold as the marble 
which covers the orave of the warrior, is that bosoci 
which does not love to linger around the memory 
i)f departed wortli ! 



20 . 

It is a question not unworthy of consideration, 
to know what might have been the situation of 
these United States, had the war, which terminated 
in the triumph of the American arms, been favora- 
ble on the part of Great Britain. We had sinned 
beyond the hopes of forgiveness — we had rejected 
peace when offered, to prosecute our own scheme 
of government ; and had rebelliously taken up arms 
against a kind, indulgent, fostering parent, Now 
no leniency was to be expected from parental ten- 
derness — the ties of affection once violated, were 
dissolved, and the existence of former privileges 
denied. Unfortunate in our efforts, we should 
liave been destined, like the wretched inhabitants of 
India, the prey of a merciless commerce, and the 
victims of a rapacious avarice. 

But thanks to the Father Almiglity, we stiil live 
in the land of our choice, blessed with tlie advan- 
tages and rights of Republicanism. We have pass- 
ed through the storms and tempests of revolution, 
and escaped the dangers of faction \ — we have de- 
fended our homes from invasion, and have seen 
our flair victorious : — tlie Constitution at sea, has 
defended the constitution on land, and this day, the 
forty-fifth anniversary of Independence, unites us 
in the temple of the Most High, singing the song 
of BEI.IYERANCE, and Tyranny O'ER- 
THPxOWN. 



\^^^ 



